Morning Relief as Major Arteries Reopen; New Disruptions Start on Barrine Drive

Monday Morning Traffic Overview

Commuters heading into the Canberra CBD this Monday, 2 March 2026, will find a mixed bag of conditions. While several major road closures from a significant weekend construction blitz have been lifted just in time for the morning peak, new daytime restrictions near the lake and upcoming evening lane closures on Commonwealth Avenue mean drivers must remain alert. With the Enlighten Festival now in full swing, expect higher-than-usual pedestrian activity and traffic volume around the National Triangle and the city center throughout the day.

Major Road Reopenings and New Disruptions

As of 6:00 am this morning, Commonwealth Avenue has officially reopened in both directions between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle. Similarly, Parkes Way eastbound and London Circuit East have returned to normal traffic flow following intensive bridge deck works for the Light Rail Stage 2A extension. Motorists on the southside will also benefit from the reopening of Lanyon Drive at the Monaro Highway intersection, which was restored at 5:00 am after the installation of new bridge barriers.

However, new daytime restrictions are coming into effect today as part of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge renewal project. Commuters should take note of the following:

• Barrine Drive: From 7:00 am today, Barrine Drive will be reduced to a single lane for approximately 200 metres beneath the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. Stop-and-go traffic management will be in place between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.
• Commonwealth Avenue Southbound: While lanes are open this morning, a single-lane closure will return tonight starting at 8:00 pm between the Parkes Way off-ramp and Albert Street to facilitate ongoing bridge work.
• London Circuit West: Remains closed to all motorists and on-road cyclists as construction continues on the light rail extension toward Commonwealth Park.

Public Transport and Enlighten Festival

Transport Canberra services have returned to their standard Monday timetable following weekend diversions. The updated 'Network 26' schedule is in full effect, which accounts for the increased travel times caused by the bridge renewal project. Officials recommend allowing an additional 10 to 15 minutes for bus journeys crossing the lake during peak hours.

For those planning to attend the Enlighten Festival this evening, free shuttle buses will begin operating from 5:00 pm, running between the City Interchange and the event precinct. While the 'Fare Free Friday and Saturday' initiative does not apply today, the shuttle provides a convenient option to avoid the limited parking currently available in the city and National Triangle due to ongoing infrastructure projects.

Commuter Advice

The ACT Government encourages the use of real-time traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps to monitor live congestion levels. If your route involves the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, consider using Kings Avenue Bridge as an alternative to bypass the stop-and-go arrangements on Barrine Drive and potential merging delays near the construction zones.